The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Bernard Ahiafor, over what he described as inadequate responses during parliamentary proceedings.
The incident occurred during a sitting of Parliament when the minister was called upon to respond to questions relating to government policy and trade sector performance. During the exchange, Afenyo Markin expressed dissatisfaction with the minister’s pattern of answering questions with brief yes or no responses. He stressed that parliamentary accountability requires detailed explanations rather than minimal confirmations.
According to the Minority Leader, ministers appearing before the House are expected to provide comprehensive answers that help lawmakers and the public understand government decisions and policy directions. He remarked that the minister was not in a courtroom witness box where simple affirmative or negative answers would suffice.
The disagreement reflects ongoing tensions between the Minority and the government side regarding oversight and transparency. Members of Parliament have recently intensified scrutiny of the trade ministry, particularly concerning strategies to strengthen local industries, expand exports, and improve economic performance.
While the minister maintained his responses within parliamentary procedure, the Minority insisted that fuller disclosures are necessary to ensure effective legislative oversight. The exchange highlights the broader debate about accountability standards and the quality of engagement between ministers and lawmakers in Ghana’s Parliament.
The matter has since drawn public attention, with observers noting the importance of detailed ministerial briefings in fostering transparency and informed governance.
